Plans to start a business-led company to run extra services in Harrow town centre - thereby boosting trade - have been put on ice.

The proposed new regeneration firm, established and managed by the traders themselves, could do things like hire extra security guards and streetsweepers, produce shopping guides, introduce new seats and flowers, and organise networking events, all in addition to what Harrow Council already provides.

To fund this, shops lying within the designated business improvement district (BID) would be compelled to make a compulsory extra contribution - on top their business rates - to the independent body.

Such BIDs can only be legally set up, however, if a majority of stores falling within the zone of the proposed BID agree.

However, members of the shadow board of Harrow BID recently voted not to hold a ballot over the issue this spring and decided that they will reconsider in September whether to go ahead with the secret vote.

Councillor David Ashton (Conservative), leader of Harrow Council, said: “The BID received excellent support across the town centre. However, because of the situation we all find ourselves in financially, a number of key traders requested that any decision for a ballot is postponed until better times are upon us.

“Harrow Council is confident that the BID will be beneficial to the town centre, and the shadow board will continue to meet until the decision is looked at again.”